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Bodies of Chinese couple found naked and bloddy in Bali hotel, Indonesian police say

Indonesian police suspect that the chinese boyfriend drowned the woman in a bathtub following a series of arguments.

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Indonesian police investigating the deaths of a Chinese couple whose bodies were found bloodied and naked at a hotel in the resort island of Bali said Wednesday that the boyfriend killed the woman before killing himself.

Police also said that the crime scene investigation and surveillance cameras from three hotels in Bali where the two stayed suggested that Cheng Jianan, 22, was tortured and drowned in a bathtub by her 25-year-old boyfriend, Lhi Chiming, following a series of arguments and fights.

Their naked bodies were found at the InterContinental hotel on May 1, with Cheng badly beaten in the bathroom with a neck wound.

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Evidence collected from the hotel where two Chinese tourists were found dead are displayed during a police press conference in Bali, Indonesia, on May 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

"No traces of anyone else in the room apart from them, such as fingerprints, blood and DNA," said Bambang Yugo Pamungkas, the police chief for Denpasar, Bali’s capital.

He said the couple arrived in Bali on April 27 for the second visit after their first trip in March. They changed hotels a day after Cheng reported to police that Lhi had lost his passport, Pamungkas said.

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A staff at Mansion Hotel told police that she saw Lhi's hand was bleeding and wrapped with a towel, and that he told her that he was in a fight with his girlfriend.

Pamungkas said that police were still investigating a motive for the deaths.

Bali is one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists after a three-year pandemic-related hiatus.

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Indonesian police suspect Chinese tourist tortured, killed girlfriend before taking own life

Indonesia china tourists killed.

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian police investigating the deaths of a Chinese couple whose bodies were found bloodied and naked at a hotel in the resort island of Bali said Wednesday that the boyfriend killed the woman before killing himself.

Police also said that the crime scene investigation and surveillance cameras from three hotels in Bali where the two stayed suggested that Cheng Jianan, 22, was tortured and drowned in a bathtub by her 25-year-old boyfriend, Lhi Chiming, following a series of arguments and fights.

Their naked bodies were found at the InterContinental hotel on May 1, with Cheng badly beaten in the bathroom with a neck wound.

“No traces of anyone else in the room apart from them, such as fingerprints, blood and DNA,” said Bambang Yugo Pamungkas, the police chief for Denpasar, Bali’s capital.

He said the couple arrived in Bali on April 27 for the second visit after their first trip in March. They changed hotels a day after Cheng reported to police that Lhi had lost his passport, Pamungkas said.

A staff at Mansion Hotel told police that she saw Lhi's hand was bleeding and wrapped with a towel, and that he told her that he was in a fight with his girlfriend.

Pamungkas said that police were still investigating a motive for the deaths.

Bali is one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists after a three-year pandemic-related hiatus.

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Indonesian police suspect Chinese tourist tortured, killed girlfriend before taking own life

Indonesian police investigating the deaths of a chinese couple whose bodies were found bloodied and naked at a hotel in the resort island of bali say that the boyfriend killed the woman before killing himself, article bookmarked.

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Indonesian police investigating the deaths of a Chinese couple whose bodies were found bloodied and naked at a hotel in the resort island of Bali said Wednesday that the boyfriend killed the woman before killing himself.

Police also said that the crime scene investigation and surveillance cameras from three hotels in Bali where the two stayed suggested that Cheng Jianan, 22, was tortured and drowned in a bathtub by her 25-year-old boyfriend, Lhi Chiming, following a series of arguments and fights.

Their naked bodies were found at the InterContinental hotel on May 1, with Cheng badly beaten in the bathroom with a neck wound.

“No traces of anyone else in the room apart from them, such as fingerprints, blood and DNA,” said Bambang Yugo Pamungkas, the police chief for Denpasar, Bali’s capital.

He said the couple arrived in Bali on April 27 for the second visit after their first trip in March. They changed hotels a day after Cheng reported to police that Lhi had lost his passport, Pamungkas said.

A staff at Mansion Hotel told police that she saw Lhi's hand was bleeding and wrapped with a towel, and that he told her that he was in a fight with his girlfriend.

Pamungkas said that police were still investigating a motive for the deaths.

Bali is one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists after a three-year pandemic-related hiatus.

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2 China tourists found dead in Bali hotel; not clear if it is suicide or murder

Two Chinese tourists were found dead on Monday at a hotel in Bali, Indonesia, the local Chinese consulate confirmed on Thursday.

They were identified as a 25-year-old woman surnamed Li and a 22-year-old man surnamed Cheng, according to thepaper.cn

Their naked bodies were found at an InterContinental hotel.

Police said their personal belongings were intact in the hotel room.

It is uncertain if the two committed suicide or were murdered, and the authorities are investigating, local reports said.

A hotel staff received a call from a guest who mentioned hearing another guest calling for help in the hallway at around 6.30am on Monday.

Local reports said the male victim was found lying in the hotel corridor. He was covered in blood, with wounds to his neck and left leg.

The woman was found in the bathroom with a neck wound.

The room had been booked by Ms Li. Hotel closed-circuit television footage shows her checking in alone on Sunday evening.

Mr Cheng is said to have arrived at 12.17am on Monday. The two later ordered food, which was delivered to the room at around 1.20am.

Bali is a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

The hotel has so far not made any statement regarding the incident.

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Two China tourists found dead in Bali hotel; not clear if it is suicide or murder

Friday, 05 May 2023

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Bali is a popular destination for Chinese tourists. - AFP

BALI, May 5 (The Straits Times/ANN): Two Chinese tourists were found dead on Monday at a hotel in Bali, Indonesia, the local Chinese consulate confirmed on Thursday.

They were identified as a 25-year-old woman surnamed Li and a 22-year-old man surnamed Cheng, according to thepaper.cn

Their naked bodies were found at an InterContinental hotel.

Police said their personal belongings were intact in the hotel room.

It is uncertain if the two committed suicide or were murdered, and the authorities are investigating, local reports said.

A hotel staff received a call from a guest who mentioned hearing another guest calling for help in the hallway at around 6.30am on Monday.

Local reports said the male victim was found lying in the hotel corridor. He was covered in blood, with wounds to his neck and left leg.

The woman was found in the bathroom with a neck wound.

The room had been booked by Ms Li. Hotel closed-circuit television footage shows her checking in alone on Sunday evening.

Mr Cheng is said to have arrived at 12.17am on Monday. The two later ordered food, which was delivered to the room at around 1.20am.

Bali is a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

The hotel has so far not made any statement regarding the incident. - The Straits Times/ANN

Tags / Keywords: Indonesia , Two China Tourists , Found Dead , Baluim Question Marks

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2 China tourists found dead in Bali hotel; cause of death unclear

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Two Chinese tourists were found dead on Monday at a hotel in Bali, Indonesia, the local Chinese consulate confirmed on Thursday.

They were identified as a 25-year-old woman surnamed Li and a 22-year-old man surnamed Cheng, according to thepaper.cn

Their naked bodies were found at an InterContinental hotel.

Police said their personal belongings were intact in the hotel room.

It is uncertain if the two committed suicide or were murdered, and the authorities are investigating, local reports said.

A hotel staff received a call from a guest who mentioned hearing another guest calling for help in the hallway at around 6.30am on Monday.

Foreigners working in Bali without proper visa may be banned

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Local reports said the male victim was found lying in the hotel corridor. He was covered in blood, with wounds to his neck and left leg.

The woman was found in the bathroom with a neck wound.

The room had been booked by Ms Li. Hotel closed-circuit television footage shows her checking in alone on Sunday evening.

Mr Cheng is said to have arrived at 12.17am on Monday. The two later ordered food, which was delivered to the room at around 1.20am.

Bali is a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

The hotel has so far not made any statement regarding the incident.

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Consul following Bali hotel deaths of 2 Chinese citizens

The Chinese Consulate-General in Denpasar, Indonesia, is closely following the case of two Chinese citizens who were found dead at a hotel in Bali, a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

On May 1, a Chinese man and a woman were found dead at an Inter-Continental hotel in Bali, local media reported.

The spokesperson for the Chinese Consulate-General said Consul General Zhu Xinglong met with Denpasar Police Commissioner Bambang Yugo Pamungkas on Friday.

The two sides exchanged views on strengthening police cooperation and ensuring the safety of Chinese tourists in Bali, the spokesperson said in a statement posted on the Chinese Consulate-General's website on Saturday.

According to Denpasar police, the government of Indonesia has asked them to focus on the case and urged them to solve it as quickly as possible. A special investigation team has been set up and it will keep the Chinese Consulate-General updated.

The spokesperson added that the Consulate General contacted the local police as soon as they learned about the case and has closely followed updates. Meanwhile, it briefed the families of the deceased and provided assistance to help them to come to Bali.

Local media reports said the man was found lying in the hotel corridor covered in blood. The woman was found in the bathroom with a neck wound. Both were naked.

The room had been booked by the woman, who checked in alone on April 30. The man is said to have arrived at 12:17 am on May 1. The two later ordered food, which was delivered to the room at around 1:20 am.

At around 6:34 am on Monday morning, a hotel staff member received a call from a guest who said they heard calls for help from the hallway. Staff then discovered the bodies of the two Chinese guests, according to local media reports.

Stefanus Satake Bayu, a spokesman for Bali police, said on Sunday that they have investigated the crime scene and interviewed 15 people, including staff and guests. They have not yet been able to determine whether the pair took their own lives or if murder was involved.

The case has been widely discussed on Chinese social media. While airing their concerns, people also said they hope Bali police are able to solve the case as soon as possible.

Prior to the May Day holiday — a five-day break in China that began on April 29 — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Centre for Consular Assistance and Protection issued travel advice to people who planned to spend their holiday abroad.

It advised them to take care of their personal belongings and travel documents while avoiding traveling to remote and high-risk areas. Also, people were urged to remain calm in incidents such as robberies or car accidents and to seek help from local police.

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Bali’s rafting scene under scrutiny after tourist deaths

Indonesian island’s regulation of rafting is facing criticism after the deaths of five tourists since November 2021.

Bali, Indonesia – On October 3 last year, 64-year-old United States citizen Robinaugh Clifford Neil and nine other foreign tourists set off on two inflatable rafts for a white-water rafting trip down the Ayung River, the longest and holiest river in Bali.

The first half of the trip progressed smoothly. But when the group stopped for a break at a riverside kiosk, the river rose dramatically. A female vendor advised the two rafting guides to abort the trip but the advice was ignored, according to a member of the search party that followed.

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Within moments, both rafts flipped over and all 12 people fell into the rapids.

Eventually, the guides and eight out of nine tourists made their way to the river bank, emerging with only minor scrapes and bruises. But Neil never returned. His body was last seen going over a weir without a helmet or lifejacket but was never recovered, despite a weeklong search effort.

Neil is not the only tourist to have lost his life while white-water rafting in Bali.

In November, a tourist from Saudi Arabia was thrown from a raft, hit her head against a rock and drowned while rafting in the Telaga River in east Bali.

In November 2021, three Indonesian tourists, including two children who had just completed a rafting trip on the Ayung River, perished after rain triggered a landslide on a steep jungle path between the river and the road.

Repeated warnings

In the view of some experts familiar with Bali’s rafting scene, all five deaths, instead of simply being tragic accidents caused by unpredictable weather events, can be traced to the government’s failure to regulate the industry as well as a culture of lax safety standards.

Nigel Mason, who pioneered white-water rafting in Bali in the 1980s, said he made repeated failed attempts to convince local officials to introduce the kind of standard operating procedures that exist in Australia and other developed nations over fear that lives would be lost otherwise.

“The American tourist died on what we call a ‘red-river’ day,” Mason, who runs Mason Adventure Rafting, told Al Jazeera.

“We have three classifications for the river. The first is green. When the river gets to yellow, we ban anyone over 50 and children from rafting and warn everyone else about the challenge involved. Once it turns red from too much rain in the mountains, we cancel our trips. The water in the river can rise six metres in an hour; it’s extremely dangerous inside there. But some companies just keep going because they don’t want to lose money.”

Cok Ace, the deputy governor of Bali who previously owned a share in a white-water rafting company Sobek, substantiated some of Mason’s comments.

“I used to take my family quite often but not in the rainy season,” Ace told Al Jazeera, referring to the period that usually stretches from November to April.

“Because if the Ayung River is flooded, it’s dangerous.”

The fact that Neil’s body was seen floating in the river without a lifejacket or helmet suggests his safety equipment was faulty or not properly fitted by his guides, Mason said, pointing out poorly-constructed access trails to the river as another safety risk.

“If you go on our tour, you’ll notice we have concrete staircases complete with handrails leading hundreds of metres down to the river. But some of these new companies just cut steps into the soil or lay concrete blocks that can slide away,” he said. “That’s exactly what happened when the three tourists died in a landslide last year.”

Mason said the root cause of all these problems is lax government oversight.

“There are no standard operating procedures specific to rafting like the safety equipment rafts need to carry, the age and condition of lifejackets, working hours for guides, alcohol consumption, the number of rafts allowed on the river at any one time and rescue protocols. All investors need to do is apply for a ‘location’ permit to access the river and that’s good enough to start conducting rafting trips,” he said.

“There are guides on the river who don’t even know how to swim.”

After the death of the Saudi tourist last year, police in east Bali ordered rafting companies to improve their risk-assessment protocols before heading into the water.

“I reminded the rafting operators to increase their vigilance because it’s the rainy season [and] the water discharge has increased. There was a flood and the rafting route should have changed,” local police chief I Gede Made Punia told reporters at the time.

No charges were brought against BMW Rafting, the company that organised the Saudi woman’s trip. Made Agus Kertiana, the company’s owner, told local media the woman’s death was an unavoidable tragedy.

“Disasters and destiny cannot be avoided and we are very saddened by the tragedy that happened yesterday,” Kertiana told Bali Factual News, adding that a 250 million rupee ($16,624) payout made by his insurer was evidence of his responsible management.

Authorities did not bring charges against Ayung Dewata Rafting, the company that organised Neil’s trip. A person who answered a number listed for the company hung up the phone when contacted by Al Jazeera.

Of 14 locally-owned rafting companies and travel agents that sell rafting tours contacted by Al Jazeera, only one agreed to discuss safety in the industry.

Founded in 2016, Arum Jeram Bali takes 100 to 150 tourists rafting on the Ayung River each day. The only injuries their customers ever have suffered are small wounds caused by tourists who did not follow the instructions of their guides, according to the company’s owner Putu, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name.

Putu said that he cancels trips when the river appears “dangerous” because of rain and has built quality concrete staircases leading from the road to the river with handrails when required.

“I think rafting on the Ayung River is quite safe,” he told Al Jazeera.

‘Terrified’

Travellers’ experiences of rafting tours recounted online paint a picture of questionable safety standards across the industry.

On Tripadvisor, dozens of reviews detail negative experiences, including having to navigate staircases to the water with large, slippery and unpaved steps – conditions Al Jazeera observed at two different paths used by rafting companies to access the Ayung River.

In one review on the site, an Australian commenter going by Neen Starmine describes capsizing during a rafting tour in 2017 due to poor directions from her guide.

“He said go right, which should have been left and flipped the boat. My daughter, myself and another teenage girl were trapped under the raft taking water into our lungs. At that stage, I could not find my daughter and was terrified,” she wrote.

“Luckily we got ourselves out and after being swept downstream a bit, dragged ourselves ashore. After a few minutes and a lot of coughing, we were back in the boat. I was so shocked that they would raft in the river with such danger. If I had known, I never would have gone”.

Ibu Pande, secretary at the Gianyar Tourist Office that administers tourism in the Ayung River area, said standard operating procedures (SOP) specific to rafting are part of the licensing process for white-water rafting.

“There are SOP for rafting companies because it’s quite risky,” Pande told Al Jazeera, adding that her office checks “some” of the rafting companies to ensure the SOP are being followed. When asked, Pande declined to name any specific SOPs or produce any document detailing them.

According to Mason, on the day Neil died, Ayung Dewata Rafting, the company that organised his tour, took other tourists out on the river while the search for the American’s body was still under way.

“We don’t have the authority to stop the operation of the company,” Pande said, adding that no review or changes to the SOP were implemented in the wake of the fatal accident. “It’s safe as long as tourists follow the instructions of their guide. But we can’t predict what nature will do,” she said.

An officer at the Gianyar Police Station who led the investigation into the accident said on condition of anonymity that charges have not been laid against Ayung Dewata Rafting’s owners or guides because police are still treating it as a missing person case

“The body hasn’t been found so we don’t know if the tourist died, but he is still missing,” the police officer told Al Jazeera.

Mason, whose staff led the search for Neil until it was abandoned, said there is no doubt that Neil died in the river and warned that more tourists could lose their lives if Bali’s white-water rafting scene is not subject to better regulation.

“There will always be rafting accidents, that’s the nature of the game,” he said. “But if the authorities want to make the industry safe, they need to introduce and enforce SOP. Unless they do that, it can only lead to new disasters.”

The author of this article requested their name be withheld due to fears of retaliation by the Indonesian government.

People are seen at an exit of Bali Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, a famous tourist destination of Indonesia, Nov. 9, 2022. File photo: Xinhua/Xu Qin

Chinese tourists did not waste the opportunity to enjoy their warm bright spring holiday time after three years ...

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Mysterious Deaths of 2 Chinese Tourists in Bali Raise Alarm

The mysterious deaths of two Chinese tourists at a luxury hotel in Bali, Indonesia, have triggered safety concerns for Chinese tourists traveling to the popular resort island. 

The local Chinese consulate confirmed Thursday that a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were found dead in an InterContinental hotel on Monday, Chinese media reported . Local police are investigating the deaths. 

The woman, surnamed Cheng, was reportedly an undergraduate student from Jiangxi province, who first checked into the hotel on April 30. Li, her boyfriend, who worked for a publisher in Jiangxi province, joined her early in the morning on May 1.

According to local reports , at around 6:45 a.m. on Monday, hotel staff received a call from a guest who had heard cries for help. When staff arrived at the scene, Li was found dead on the corridor balcony, naked and covered in blood. Hotel surveillance footage showed Li crawling in the corridor for more than 20 minutes.

A local forensic expert said that Li had two open wounds on his neck and left leg. Cheng, who booked the room, was found dead in the bathtub of their hotel room with bruises on her body and head, also naked. A deep bruise on her neck indicated that she had been strangled with a rope or other tools, local media reported.

Local police have not yet determined the cause of the deaths. The couple’s belongings were not taken from their room. 

A family member of Cheng told Chinese media that they arrived in Bali on Saturday and are in touch with local police. 

Online, the shocking and mysterious nature of the deaths has left netizens shaken. There are also conflicting reports about the identities of the two people, such as how they met and their backgrounds. 

“This news will make me cancel my trip to Bali, at least for this year. It’s really scary,” a Weibo user commented .

On Friday, the Chinese consul general in the city of Denpasar met with local police to discuss measures to guarantee the safety of Chinese tourists. The local Chinese consulate had issued a safety reminder for Chinese citizens traveling to Bali ahead of the Labor Day holiday. 

Chinese tourists are a major source of income for Bali, which saw its tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19. Chinese tourists began returning to Bali at the beginning of this year after three years of domestic pandemic restrictions. Balinese officials expect Chinese tourists to return to pre-pandemic levels, or a fifth of all visitors, by 2025.

China’s domestic tourism saw a vigorous rebound to pre-pandemic levels during the Labor Day holiday. Overseas travel is recovering slower, however — around 6.27 million tourists went abroad , around 59.2% of 2019 levels. 

In a separate incident in Thailand, a group of burglars smashed into the rented home of three Chinese tourists on May 3, taking away 1 million baht’s ($29,655) worth of jewelry, electronic devices and cash. Local police have arrested two of the five suspects, Chinese media reported .

The latest incidents will worry local authorities in both Indonesia and Thailand, given the importance of Chinese tourists to their economies. Earlier this year, dark rumors about Southeast Asia being unsafe for Chinese tourists spread like wildfire on Chinese social media. 

Correction: An earlier version of this article misnamed the woman “Chen.” Her surname is “Cheng.”

Editor: Vincent Chow.

(Header image: VCG)

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Family fight to bring home Aussie man found dead in Bali

The heartbroken family of a 26-year-old NSW man found dead in Bali say they are in “disbelief” as they fight to bring him home.

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The heartbroken sister of a young Australian man who died suddenly while on holiday in Bali says she is “extremely desperate” to bring her younger brother home.

Brie Rockliffe launched a GoFundMe page to assist in bringing her brother, Taylor Rockliffe, home from the popular holiday destination after his sudden death earlier this week.

Mr Rockliffe, who is from Lake Mumorah on the NSW Central Coast, was discovered on Monday. However, it is unclear how the 26-year-old died.

Ms Rockliffe has since shared several posts and updates on social media, expressing how she and her family never thought in their “wildest dreams” they would be making a public plea to bring Mr Rockliffe home.

“Taylor passed away while on holidays in Bali, never in our wildest dreams did we ever expect this to happen and never did we ever think we would need to do this,” Ms Rockliffe wrote on the GoFundMe page, which has raised almost $60k in two days.

“We are extremely desperate and we need help to get Taylor home to us. He needs to be home with his family and friends and he deserves to have a send off surrounded by people he loved so dearly.”

It is understood the grieving parents of Mr Rockliffe have arrived in Bali, and are said to be “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support they’ve received.

“[Mum and dad] are in disbelief,” Ms Rockliffe posted.

“Our families cannot be more greatful if we tried … it’s a very, very sad time for them right now.

“Look after each other and hug your loved ones so tight.”

On Facebook, members from Mr Rockliffe’s rugby league club, the Morisset Bulls, shared a lengthy tribute saying he will be “missed as a player, as a mentor and most of all as a mate”.

“With a broken heart we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Rockliffe Family, Yesterday We lost one of the greats,” the post read.

“Your friendship and passion echoed through our 2023 season. To our Bulls Boys & Family, Please look after yourselves at this time and support one another.”

More of Mr Rockliffe’s family said how they “felt numb” after hearing of his death.

“Heart broken is an understatement I miss you so much already,” a family member wrote.

“You were always so kind caring and a genuinely a beautiful person always there when it mattered and I could always count on you for anything.

Growing up with you was such a special gift...I’m so numb and wish this was a dream.”

Mr Rockliffe’s death comes just weeks after another young Australian tourist died in a horror hit and run accident on a remote road in Bali.

Bradley Semmens, 33, was riding his Honda Scoopy motorcycle along the Persinggahan Highway, near the small town of Klungkung on the southwest coast of the island, when a speeding motorbike approaching from the opposite lane collided with him, according to local media.

Local media reported that the rider of the bike fled the scene on foot immediately after the accident, leaving the Australian abandoned on the side of the road.

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Mr Semmens, who was flung from his bike, suffered severe head injuries before he tragically died at the scene, Klungkung Police spokesperson Agus Widiono told the publication, Detik Bali.

There were a group of locals nearby who rushed to help Mr Semmens, but his injuries were too severe

News.com.au has contacted the family of Taylor Rockliffe for comment.

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Police In Bali Confirm Death Of Two Tourists In Unrelated Incidences This Week

Posted on Published: February 16, 2023

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Police in Bali have confirmed the death of two international tourists this week. The first, a Russian tourist, was found dead in her villa in Ubud over the weekend. The second, a Norwegian traveler in Kerobokan on Tuesday 14th February. Police have confirmed that neither case is being treated as suspicious though investigations and post-mortems will be completed by the relevant authorities in due course. 

On Sunday, 11th February, Gianyar police were called to Kengetan Banjar in Singakerta Village just outside of Ubud. Police attended the scene at around 6 pm, as confirmed by the Head of Ubud Police, Kompol I Gusti Ngurah Yudistira. He told reporters that a 35-year-old woman with the initials AG was found at her rental villa by a friend who was also staying nearby. According to Kompol Yudisitra, AG’s friend tried to contact her at around 3 pm on Sunday afternoon.

AG’s friend is reported to have called out for her from the villa complex and had no response. He then approached AG’s room to find the door open. He entered and found his friend lying on the bed and unresponsive. Kompol Yudisitra explained that AG’s friend immediately contacted the villa owner, who arrived at the scene around 4 pm and reported the incident to local police. 

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Kompol Yudisitra said, “Around 5.55 pm, a function picket led by Pawas Iptu Ngakan Nyoman Jaya Wijaya and a medical team from UPT Kesmas Ubud II with doctors arrived at the location for TKP processing and external examination of the victim’s body.” Following an initial examination at the scene, AG was transferred to the Forensics Unit at Ngoerah Hospital for a post-mortem.

Police are not treating AG’s death as suspicious and don’t believe that there was any third-party involvement. Kompol Yudisitra told the press that they have been informed that AG suffered from chronic pain as a result of past surgery and regularly took prescription medication, which was also found in her villa. 

He concluded, “There were no signs of violence on the victim’s body. It is estimated that she died more than 12 hours before she was discovered. [The] witness [AG’s friend] last communicated with the victim on February 10th, 2023 at 11.51 WITA via messenger. The victim once told the witness that she had a chronic disease that she had suffered from for a long time and regularly took medication. Lately, the victim has often had headaches, but the witness did not know where the victim was seeking treatment.”

Police in Badung have also confirmed the death of a 54-year-old man from Norway. Known to the media by his initials EK, the traveler was visiting Bali with his girlfriend, who is known by her initials SAT. Though they were traveling together, they were staying in separate rooms within the same villa in Taman Neighborhood, Kerobokan Kelod Village. 

Police are investigating the cause of EK’s death. His body was discovered by his girlfriend at around 9.15 pm on Monday, 13th February. SAT found EK lying prone on a sun lounger by the villa’s pool. Since he was not wearing any clothes, SAT called out to him to cover up, only to discover that he was unresponsive. Police told local reporters that SAT called the villa’s housekeeper, WS, who called the police and ambulance. 

The Badung Police team and PMI Ambulance team attended the scene in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to local reporters, there are no signs of violence against EK, and officials believe that he died of an unknown illness. The results of the autopsy have not yet been made public by Badung police. As is usually the case in these kinds of incidences, police in Indonesia generally do not release autopsy findings unless it is of importance to the public. 

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Police suspect murder-suicide in bali hotel deaths involving chinese couple after comprehensive investigation.

17th May 2023 – (Bali) Two  Chinese tourists were found dead at a hotel in Bali, Indonesia during the  May Day holidays , with both victims naked at the time of their death. The victims have been identified as a 25-year-old man surnamed Li from South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and a 22-year-old woman surnamed Cheng from East China’s Jiangxi Province, who were staying in room 4223 at the hotel. On Wednesday (17th), the police stated that, based on a comprehensive analysis of  witness statements , CCTV footage, and forensic investigations, the case involves murder and suicide. It is suspected that the male victim surnamed Li first killed his girlfriend surnamed Cheng and then used a  broken beer bottle  to commit suicide by stabbing himself in the neck and other parts of the body.

The incident occurred during the bustling  May Day  holidays, with more than 274 million  domestic trips  and over 6.265 million tourists flying to different parts of the world to enjoy their hard-earned leisure time. A member of staff at the hotel received a call from a guest who said they heard another guest calling for help in the hallway at around 6.34am on Monday morning. The  male victim  was found lying in the hotel corridor, covered in blood with wounds on his neck and left leg, while the  female victim  was found in the bathroom with a wound to her neck. Both were reportedly naked at the time of discovery.

According to local media reports, the  hotel room  was booked by Li, who checked into the hotel alone around 8pm on 30th April, as shown by the hotel CCTV camera. Cheng arrived at 12.17 am on Monday, and shortly afterward, the two ordered food, which was delivered to the room at 1.17am. The hotel involved is often featured in  travel guides , and Bali has always been a popular destination for Chinese tourists. So far, the hotel has not made any statement regarding the matter, and its official website still shows that bookings can be made as normal.

Local authorities in Guangxi, where Li lived, said they were contacting the victim’s family, while a police officer in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, where Cheng lived, told the Beijing News on Thursday that the woman was a local resident who had gone to Thailand to study on 25th April. The tragedy has caused shock and concern among Chinese tourists and the wider public, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Previously, reports said that the couple was on a global trip. The  female victim  posted her last  WeChat moment  on 25th April, showing her location in Hong Kong.  Beijing local media  quoted  police sources  to confirm that the female victim’s last trip was to Thailand on 25th April.

The crime scene was reported to have a large amount of blood, according to Indonesian media.

The female victim, Cheng Mou, was a student at Nanchang University of Technology, preparing to study in Singapore after graduation. A friend revealed that she and the male victim had a normal romantic relationship and that the purpose of their trip was for tourism. “They have been traveling around the world for a long time and arrived at Bali this time.”

According to  Chinese media ,  Cheng ‘s last  WeChat  moment was posted on 25th April, and the IP address showed in Hong Kong. A  police source  also revealed that Cheng’s last trip was to Thailand on 25th April

Prior to that, on 21st march, Cheng’s WeChat address was shown in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to her  social media account , she had travelled with the male victim to Tanzania and Thailand in July of last year.

After the couple’s death, there were rumours that they were murdered, suspected because the male victim was a crypto currency trader. However, as of today, there is no official message or public information to prove that the couple was involved in crypto currency trading.

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Tourist, 24, mysteriously found dead in Bali just days after posting pics of her lavish holiday

• Felix Allen
• Published : 9:40, 25 Aug 2022
• Updated : 13:35, 25 Aug 2022

A HEARTBROKEN mother has paid tribute to her "angel" daughter after she died mysteriously on holiday in Bali.

Olyvia Cowley, 24, had shared photos from the paradise island in the weeks before her "unexpected" death.

Her updates on Facebook showed the view from her hotel and a selfie in a palm-fringed restaurant.

Olyvia's parents have travelled to  Bali to take her body home to Australia 's Gold Coast, friends said.

Mum Christina said on Facebook: "My twinkle. My baby. My angel. I'll miss you forever.

"What a smile, you are someone who lights up the world.

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"It's hard for me to fathom - Jesus chose me my Olyvia Te'a, he chose me to be your Mum!

"You'll never be loved more. My love for you my dove is beyond anything you'll ever understand.

"I need to see your calls and messages again. I can't imagine life without you."

Christina's close friend Tanya Pohio revealed Olyvia's parents had travelled to Bali from Japan to bring her home to  Queensland .

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She said: "It is with such a broken heart that I share this. Olyvia - light and love gone too soon.

"She is the beautiful daughter of one of my best friends Christina. Made so much more tragic in that she passed away in Bali."

Another family friend, Shae Barr, set up a GoFundMe to help pay for expatriating Olyvia's body.

She wrote: "On Friday August 19, our beloved Olyvia unexpectedly passed away in Bali.

"The family are currently planning to bring Liv home to the Gold Coast.

"To ease the financial pressure on the family moving forward I am asking for any donations if you are in a position to give.

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"We all know how much of an impact it can make when a community come together and the Cowley family are extremely grateful for the overwhelming love and support already.

"Let’s help this amazing family get through these next phases."

A Dutch tourist was killed in a horrific crash with a truck in Bali on Tuesday morning.

The 21-year-old man, identified as RJ, was riding a motorbike on Bypass Ngurah Rai Road in Pemogan, Denpasar, when he collided with a large truck carrying concrete.

The impact of the crash was so severe that RJ’s head was severed from his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver, 25-year-old Muchammad Fatkhurrozi, was not injured.

Police said RJ was driving without a license or registration when the crash occurred, and that he was “not careful” as he failed to maintain a safe distance from the truck.

The crash happened at around 5am. RJ was traveling east when the truck, which was turning left onto Griya Anyar Road, pulled in front of him.

The motorbike hit the truck’s side and RJ was thrown from his vehicle. He landed on the road and his head was severed from his body.

Residents who witnessed the crash called the police. RJ’s body was covered with banana leaves while they waited for authorities to arrive. Police are still investigating the crash.

The crash is a reminder of the dangers of driving in Bali. Traffic can be chaotic, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

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Australian man goes on trial in Indonesia for alleged drug possession on Bali

Australian Troy Smith, sits in a courtroom for his first hearing trial at Denpasar district court, Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Indonesian police arrested Smith on April 30, allegedly being caught with methamphetamine in his hotel.(AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Australian Troy Smith, center, is escorted by police to a courtroom for his first hearing trial at Denpasar district court Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Indonesian police arrested Smith on April 30, allegedly being caught with methamphetamine in his hotel.(AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Australian Troy Smith, sits in a courtroom for his first hearing trial at Denpasar district court, Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Indonesian police arrested Smith on April 30 allegedly being caught with methamphetamine in his hotel.(AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Australian Troy Smith, left, walks to a courtroom for his first hearing trial at Denpasar district court, Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Indonesian police arrested Smith on April 30, as he was allegedly caught with methamphetamine in his hotel.(AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Australian Troy Smith, right, arrives at Denpasar district court for his first hearing trial in Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Indonesian police arrested Smith on April 30 allegedly being caught with methamphetamine in his hotel.(AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

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DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — A court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali on Thursday began the trial of an Australian man who faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted of possessing methamphetamine under the country’s tough drug laws.

Troy Andrew Smith, from Port Lincoln in South Australia, was arrested on April 30 after police raided his hotel near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, and seized 3.15 grams (0.1 ounce) of crystal methamphetamine from his room, authorities said.

The arrest followed a tip that Smith had received a suspicious package containing toothpaste by mail from Australia.

Prosecutors at the District Court in Denpasar, Bali’s provincial capital, said he violated anti-narcotics laws that carry a penalty of up to 12 years in prison and a fine of 8 billion rupiah ($491,000).

Authorities reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death penalty, to the less serious charge of drug use after a police drug assessment team determined he was a drug user.

The 49-year-old accountant confessed to using drugs since 2020 to stop drinking alcohol, and denied being a dealer, lead prosecutor Isa Ulinnuha said.

“He was not involved in illicit narcotics trafficking, but was a narcotics abuser in the moderate category,” Ulinnuha told the court. “Therefore, we also recommend that he undergo a psychological evaluation and inpatient medical rehabilitation for at least six months in a government rehabilitation facility.”

After the charges against Smith were read, the panel of three judges adjourned the trial until June 20.

Smith’s lawyer, Ida Bagus Gumilang Galih Sakti, said he would seek to prove that Smith is a user, not a trafficker, and has no connection with any drug network.

He said his client is nervous and depressed as he faces trial.

“I’m trying to make him calm down and make him understand that he will get rehabilitation so he can return to his family as soon as possible,” he said.

Indonesia has very strict drug laws and convicted traffickers can be executed by a firing squad. More than 150 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes, and about a third of them are foreigners.

Eighteen people convicted of drug-related offenses have been executed under current President Joko Widodo, who took office in 2014.

Bali is trying to crack down on bad tourists. Will it help?

The government has taken new measures to discourage disrespectful behavior from hard-partying tourists

Niluh Djelantik has been on vacation abroad, but the Balinese influencer is still getting texts from frustrated friends, family and fans back at home. Djelantik has grown a huge social media presence by mediating conflicts between visitors and locals on the island, pro bono. She gets a deluge of messages asking for help whenever a tourist goes off the rails in Bali; recent examples of boorish behavior from foreigners on the Indonesian island include a Danish woman exposing herself from the back of a motorbike, an American man who bashed a police car and an Australian man who spat on someone at a mosque.

“It never ends,” Djelantik said.

But she welcomes the news, even while she’s away. If she’s up to date, “I can do what I can to make the situation better,” she said. If she’s traveling, that could be reposting bad behavior to spread awareness, or sharing information with law enforcement or immigration officials. When she’s at home, she helps in person by facilitating meetings and apologies between offending foreigners and locals.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik (@niluhdjelantik)

The Balinese government is aware of the ongoing frustration on the island and has promised to do more to change its reputation as a cheap party destination and rein in rule-breaking. As of June, Bloomberg reported , Bali has deported 136 misbehaving foreigners this year for issues including indecent exposure, rowdy behavior and disobeying local laws, among others.

And in July, Bali governor Wayan Koster announced a $10 tourist tax that will go into effect mid-2024. The one-time fee will apply to foreign visitors only and be paid electronically. The tax isn’t expected to reduce bad behavior, but rather, Koster said, support infrastructure and environmental projects, the Bangkok Post reported .

It’s also experimenting with new schemes to reduce disruptive behavior from travelers and safeguard local Hindu customs. That includes distributing a list of dos and don’ts to travelers, and announcing a so-called mountain ban that has yet to be enforced.

Sacred mountains attract tourist stunts

Bali’s volcanic mountains are considered sacred to Balinese people, and among the island’s most popular tourist attractions. But they’ve been backdrops for recent stunts, like a foreigner who posted a bottomless photo of himself and was later deported.

During a press briefing on May 31, the governor proposed a ban of activities (with the exception of religious ceremonies) on its 22 mountains, said Febria Diah Retnoningsih, a counselor of social, cultural and information affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington.

Two months since the announcement, however, “it is not clear if this regulation has been implemented yet,” Retnoningsih said in an email.

For now, people are still visiting the mountains, and posting about their hikes on social media , despite the fact that during his announcement, the governor said the ban was “immediate and forever,” said a reporter from the Bali Sun, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk freely.

“It’s just that the legislation hasn’t been put through,” the reporter continued. “So nobody’s breaking the law, but nobody’s obeying by the new rules, either.”

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The last time Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, general manager for Intrepid Travel’s Bali operations, went to the top of Mount Batur, there were more than 500 visitors and every group had a guide. At the base and close by, locals earn a living selling their goods and running restaurants and hotels. If implemented officially, the ban would impact that entire network, Shekhawat said.

Djelantik is not a supporter of the ban on mountain tourism, feeling that a blanket ban would punish visitors who do follow the rules as well as the local community Shekhawat mentioned. Instead, she’d rather see the government enforce existing rules and punish bad actors accordingly.

“If you had a big rat in your house … you don’t burn down the house,” Djelantik said.

No climbing the holy trees, please

In an attempt to educate foreigners, the government handed out cards to tourists arriving at the airport that explain local etiquette in June, the Jakarta Globe reported , and now exist as QR codes travelers can scan.

The don’ts include eight items, such as: avoiding climbing sacred trees, littering, working or trading illegally, using non-recyclable plastics, taking pictures in “unproper” clothing around sacred places and entering main areas of sacred spaces unless to pray and wearing traditional Balinese clothing (although it’s not allowed for anyone on their period). “All offenses are subject to law or deportation,” the card concludes.

Lael Kassis, vice president of market innovation and development for EF Go Ahead Tours who is launching a Bali itinerary in 2024, said the more informed a traveler is when visiting a new destination, the better, and supports the new cards.

“What Bali is doing is really leaning in to technology to give travelers access to this information — make it easy and transparent,” he said. “The more information travelers have, I think that’s a good thing.”

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Djelantik agrees it’s important to learn Balinese laws and etiquette. She also encourages visitors to consider the rules of their home country, too. If it’s illegal to strip naked for a photo shoot where you’re from, chances are it’s illegal where you’re on vacation or living as a digital nomad .

The spirit of the cards may be noble, but some are skeptical they’ll impact their target audience. A reporter from the Bali Sun, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk freely, said the solution seemed like a rushed approach to address public concern. Tourists most likely to cause problems aren’t the kind to read dry educational materials or scan the QR codes, they said.

Wayan Wardika , a sustainability activist and founder of the campground Tegal Dukuh Camp, says more site management could help the issues, like better signage at temples and holy sites, or requirements to go with guides. It needs to be more clear that temples are built not for decoration, but for the community.

“I think what makes Bali stand out is because we live and preserve this cultural heritage of all these holy sites, and lots of tourists take it for granted,” Wardika said. “I didn’t say all — I would say most of the guests and most of the tourists have a high respect for what we are doing.”

Locals pay for cleanup

When outlier tourists strike, particularly at Balinese holy sites, there’s a ripple effect. The community has to take part in a cleansing ceremony to restore harmony.

“It’s a lot of work for local people to maintain the sanctity of the place after these sort of things,” Shekhawat said.

The cost of such ceremonies depends on the severity of the incident.

“In Bali we have three levels of ceremony,” Wardika said. Where an incident falls, Wardika says, is decided by village leaders and residents.

Djelantik arranged a ceremony after the tourist went bottomless on Mount Agung that she says cost about $350. In more extreme cases, like when a German woman walked through a temple naked during a sacred performance in May, a cleansing ceremony could cost more than $1,000, Wardika says.

When a foreigner breaks the rules, the damage is often twofold. Not only have they disrespected the local community, “they don’t want to pay the price,” Wardika said. “We have to pay.”

Want to move to Bali? You’ll need $129K in savings first.

Djelantik, the social media fixer, worries some new efforts like the tourist tax will anger visitors or make them feel unwelcome in Bali. But she says the pushback has nothing to do with tourism on the whole.

“This is not because we hate foreigners or because we are not grateful for having them. … In fact, it’s completely the opposite,” Djelantik said.

“We are truly grateful. We love them,” she continued. “But at the same time, we also, as human beings … we have the full right to stand up for our hometown.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

The best of Bali: top ways to find your own piece of paradise

Oct 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Surfing the "pipeline" at Padang Padang is just one way to get the Bali feeling © Wonderful Nature / Shutterstock

With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet.

Whether you like to surf, practice yoga, trek on volcanoes, dive pristine reefs or go white-water rafting, Bali offers all sorts of dynamic and fascinating experiences. On the “island of the gods,” you’ll find an opportunity for relaxation and pampering, too – it's not all about adventure and adrenaline.

To get you started, here's our pick of the best things to do on a trip to Bali.

Grab a surfboard and catch the Bali pipeline

Bali is celebrated as one of the top spots for surfing on the planet. While the island is legendary for world-class waves such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang (“the Balinese Pipeline”) and the aptly named Impossibles, countless other spots are perfect for intermediate surfers or beginners.

Canggu and Kuta Beach are the best hubs on the island for novice surfers. Canggu has plenty of board rental stands and surf schools offering lessons; check out Echo Beach for relatively mellow waves where you can find your feet. More board rental places and surf schools can be found along Kuta Beach, and the waves here are – under normal circumstances – even more chilled for learning.

However, a lot of beginners find out the hard way that high tide at Kuta brings steep, heavy shore-breakers that are often challenging even for experienced surfers. Aim to have your lessons close to low tide and save the tougher waves for later in your surfing career.

If you'd rather escape the crowds, Medewi in West Bali is one of Bali’s least-known waves. The point itself is covered in boulders, so it’s best for intermediate or experienced surfers, but you'll find 10km (6.2mi) of sandy-bottom beach breaks on either side of Medewi that rarely see another surfer.

Raft the white waters of the Ayung Valley

Jungle rivers cascade down from the volcanic highlands in the center of Bali, carving great ravines that are one of the most unexpected features of Bali’s geography. The southern hills are quite densely populated with these rivers, and rafting is often the best way to experience still-unspoiled jungle canyons.

Bali’s rivers may not offer the world’s most challenging rapids, but what you lose in adrenaline, you gain in the sheer pleasure of seeing the Ubud area from a totally unexpected angle. It’s hard to believe that such pristine forest valleys can exist just a stone’s throw from bustling Ubud town.

Mason Adventures is one of the most reputable rafting companies and runs the longest rafting trips along the Ayung Valley, clocking in at 12km (7.5mi). You can combine an Ayung Valley rafting trip with a 30km (18.5mi) mountain bike tour that runs almost entirely downhill.

Go on “safari” in Bali’s wild west

It's different in West Bali. Away from the crowds, you can watch in awe as critically endangered Bali starlings flit overhead while wild ebony leaf monkeys loop through the canopy and giant monitor lizards flick their tongues to taste the air. Herds of Menjangan deer even come right up to the beach bungalows – they’re famous for coming to cool their heels in the shallows.  

You can only visit West Bali National Park with a guide, but even if you’re traveling independently outside the reserve, it’s impossible to shake the impression that West Bali has something fundamentally “wild” about it. To catch the mood, try trekking in the surprisingly arid hills of the cactus country or along the vineyard-filled north coast, or watch macaques run free at the many temples in the area.

Just east of the national park boundary, The Menjangan is the most unexpectedly wild resort on the entire island. Even if you’re not staying here, you can rent cycles and book guided walks and horse-riding and birdwatching tours.

Align your chakras and live the yogi dream

Yoga has been practiced on the Hindu island of Bali for over 1000 years, but the boom years for commercial yoga began in the early years of this century. Ubud in particular has made a name for itself as Southeast Asia's yoga capital.

Yoga Barn , which began with one humble yoga shall (practice space) in 2007, has grown to become a fixture on the Ubud scene, with seven studios running a whopping 130 classes a week. There’s a restaurant, a cafe, a yoga store and even accommodations for students who come here for teacher training or specialist courses.

More low-key, offering only 60 classes a week, Radiantly Alive has become a firm favorite with local yogis in the know. It’s located on a quiet alleyway in the old town and is popular with students who enjoy a more intimate, communal atmosphere. Radiantly Alive also has a yoga studio in Canggu.

Dive Bali’s tropical waters surrounded by splendor

Lying at the center of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia boasts some of the richest marine habitats on the planet, and Bali has its share of top diving and snorkeling spots. The entire north coast, which is spared the waves of the south, is a watery wonderland for diving and snorkeling aficionados. The island of Nusa Lembongan is a good place to start; Bali Hai runs diving day trips to “Manta Alley” and other local sites, as well as full PADI certification courses.

Menjangan Island off Bali’s northwest tip also offers world-class diving without the crowds. You'll see the entire spectrum of reef fish alongside turtles, reef sharks and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and whale sharks. The Menjangan rents kayaks and can arrange guided diving and snorkeling trips to the island.

Chill out at a private Bali beach club

Bali is famed for its beaches, and the island has a surprising number of wild, often deserted strands alongside busy “town beaches” such as Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. If you tire of the crowded sand, a day at a private beach club can be an unforgettable experience.

Potato Head in Seminyak has become a Balinese icon. Much more than just a beach club, this lively spot has two infinity pools, a music venue and several landmark restaurants, including Ijen, Bali’s first zero-waste restaurant. Along the beach from Potato Head, Mrs Sippy boasts Bali’s biggest saltwater pool and brands itself as a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.

Over at Canggu, Finns Beach Club has become a Bali institution, with five bars (including two sunken pool bars), three restaurants and a live music space, all spread across a beautifully designed property between two pools and the ocean.

If you’re in Sanur, check out Byrdhouse Beach Club , a vibrant extension to the lovely Segara Village Hotel , run by the same local family since the 1950s. Byrdhouse features a 25m-long infinity pool, spacious beachfront lawns, quality dining spaces and what is probably the best Jacuzzi cocktail bar you’ll ever find.

Pamper yourself in a holistic Bali spa

Whether you choose to bliss out with an après-surf massage on the beach or have a marathon all-day pampering session in a five-star spa, Bali takes vacation relaxation to the next level. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Fivelements Retreat near Ubud are open to non-guests and rank among the best spa and wellness retreats on the planet.

The Sacred River Spa at the Four Seasons has it all: spa treatments, traditional healers and chakra ceremonies in spellbinding surroundings overlooking the Ayung Valley. Fivelements specializes in holistic treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, with a focus on plant-based cuisine, sacred arts and romantic day experiences that are perfect for couples. Both spots also offer yoga and other wellness packages.

Glo Spa Bali is also highly recommended for its massages and beauty treatments, which attract plenty of repeat visitors. If you’re traveling on a budget, head to one of the Yes Spa Bali establishments in Kuta or Legian, where you can enjoy excellent traditional Balinese massages for less than US$8.

Walk with pink buffaloes on a paddy field tour

Water buffalo have become increasingly rare in Bali since mechanized farm tools took the place of plows, but you can still spot a few of Bali's rare pink buffalo hard at work in the fields, particularly in West Bali. Join a half-day guided paddy walk with pink buffaloes near Pekutatan for fascinating insights into the role that these magnificent creatures play in the rice-growing cycle, and the complex rituals behind rice farming on the island.

Climb up Batur volcano at sunrise

The 1717m (5633ft) summit of the Batur volcano is perhaps the best place to take in the sunrise on an island that Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru called the “morning of the world.” From the crater rim, the view takes in Mt. Agung – the island’s highest peak and the spiritual abode of the gods in Balinese culture – and Mt. Rinjani on distant Lombok .

You’ll have to set your alarm incredibly early to witness the splendor. Most tours start with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2am so hikers can complete the 3.5km (2.2mi) trek and be up at the summit by sunrise.

Photograph Asia’s most colorful traditional fishing fleet

The fleet of selerek (traditional Balinese fishing boats) at Perancak inlet are one of the most astounding – and least known – sights on the entire island. Looking like day-glow Viking longboats with curiously decorated crow’s nests (many shaped like chariots) and longtail engines spiking out from their vibrantly colorful hulls, these boats will astound any visitor who takes the trouble to reach this unspoiled corner of West Bali.

Stroll across the emerald expanses of Jatiluwih Paddies

Lying just 15km (9.3mi) north of Ubud, the pretty rice terraces of Tegallalang are a prime tourist destination. But with each passing year, more development comes to Tegallalang, and at sunset especially, it’s hard to soak up the beauty of the valley with all the noise from honking tour buses.

For a better introduction to the great paddy landscapes that cover less-visited parts of Bali, head for the immense Jatiluwih terraces, around 40km (25 miles) northwest. This idyllic stretch of countryside is perfect for wandering alone, but consider hiring a local guide if you want to understand the intricacies of the 1000-year-old subak irrigation system , which is inscribed on Unesco’s cultural heritage list.

This article was first published Aug 23, 2012 and updated Oct 29, 2023.

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